Environment Bulletin – December 2022
New Zealand – Changes to mining legislation released
The New Zealand Government has introduced the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill to Parliament, which proposes changes to modernise the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA). The Bill seeks to update the CMA to no longer actively promote prospecting, exploration, and mining of Crown-owned minerals. The focus will instead be on a more environmentally conscious management of resources. Additional changes seek to strengthen engagement between permit holders, iwi and hapū to ensure Māori cultural interests in minerals and mining activities are understood and respected.
Read the New Zealand Government’s statement here.
South Australia – Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act proposed
The Department for Energy and Mining is proposing to create a Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act, in response to increased interest in establishing renewable energy projects on government-owned pastoral lands and State waters. The proposed legislation will ensure that such projects are socially and environmentally sustainable and responsibly address native title rights and Aboriginal interests. Feedback is sought on an issues paper, which will be used to inform the development of a draft Bill in early 2023. Comments close 10 February 2023.
Read more from the Department of Energy and Mining here.
Western Australia – Mining Amendment Bill 2022 passed
The Mining Amendment Bill 2022 has passed Parliament and will improve regulation of WA’s resources sector by streamlining administrative processes and safeguarding the security of titles and licences. Consultation on developing supporting regulations is underway, with amendments expected to commence in mid to late 2023.
More Read the Western Australian Government’s media release here.